The Road to Kuthriyar(2021)
Dhruv, a goodhearted but complacent wildlife researcher from the city, is faced with the task of conducting a 'mammal survey' of the 600-square-kilometre Kodaikanal Wildlife Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu. Armed with 40-year-old maps of the area and a GPS device, he must navigate the park on foot and he recruits a local tribesman from the area - Dorai, to serve as his guide. The severity of the task immediately becomes apparent to Dhruv. Aside from the physical challenge posed, he struggles with his wayward assistant. Not only is Dorai addicted to alcohol, but he also appears to be terrified of officials and uniforms. Through the course of their journey, however, the two forge an unlikely friendship and a relationship between equals. When an accident takes him to Dorai's village, the wool of 'civilisation' is lifted from Dhruv's eyes and his attitudes towards the marginalised are transformed.
Quick Facts
- Streaming on
- MUBI
- Theatrical Release
- 8 October 2021
- Language
- Tamil
- Runtime
- 1h 55m
- Rating
- 5.6/10
Storyline
A city wildlife researcher named Dhruv must survey a large forest sanctuary. He hires a local tribesman, Dorai, as his guide, and they struggle with the difficult terrain and their personal differences. During their journey, they become friends, and Dhruv's visit to Dorai's village changes his views on marginalized communities.
“A city researcher's journey changes everything he knows.”
Film Details
Parental Guide
Where to Watch
Vibe & Tags
Cast & Crew
Trivia
- The film was shot entirely on location in the Kodaikanal Wildlife Sanctuary, using natural light and minimal crew to maintain authenticity.
- Director Bharat Mirle spent over two years living with the local tribal communities to research and write the script.
- The actor playing Dorai, a local tribesman, was not a professional but a real-life guide from the region, adding to the film's realism.
- It was filmed with a small digital camera to allow for discreet shooting in the dense forest without disturbing wildlife.
- The movie's soundtrack incorporates traditional tribal music and instruments recorded during the production stay in the village.
- Despite its critical acclaim, the film had a very limited theatrical release, focusing mainly on festival circuits and independent screenings.
- The '40-year-old maps' mentioned in the synopsis were actual outdated survey maps provided by local forest department contacts.